Akbar

We met Akbar at PetsMart while going to buy food for Stomp (and her dear, departed sister, Sable). He had a different name, then -- the nice folks at the Trenton Animal Shelter called him "Amtrak" after they collected him from the Trenton train station. He is likely a mix of German Shepherd, Doberman Pinscher, and Black Dragon. Don't mess with his hoard.

Dog Trivia: those spots above his eyes are called "angel eyes" in parts of Europe, and are supposed to ward off vampires. In China, such markings indicate a "four eyed dog," a sign of good fortune. I read these things in works of popular fiction, so I know them to be true.

Stomp

In case you're not viewing images, Stomp is a rabbit. She joined us while we were living in beautiful, historic Chestertown, Maryland. All sorts of things you can buy at the farmers' market there, including cute little dwarf rabbits. She has lived with us since 1996, accepts a variety of rabbit treats from our hands, and attacks any broom or vacuum cleaner that threatens her precious stock of pellets. She insistently named herself right after we got her.

And in Memorium: Ruben